Often Irreverent, Mostly Rational Blog for Fans of the Toronto Blue Jays. One Day, We'll Be Perfect.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

David Purcey is going to have to do better than that

If Purcey expects to compete and fill up the all-important win column, he's going to have to do more than pitch eight innings, strike out 11 and hold the opposition to one run as he did in last night's 1-0 loss to the Rays.

Pitchers like Purcey have got to learn to show more heart out on the mound, and with a little more grit and determination, they can will their teammates to score more runs.

With every great pitching performance, we worry about the pitching staffYou see a performance like last night's and you wonder: Where does Purcey fit in next year? Obviously, you have to figure that he'll be in the rotation. Does he skip past Litsch? Does it even really matter?

Moreover, we wonder about how the entire staff shakes out after A.J. Burnett leaves (and we're pretty much resigned to the fact that he will.) While everyone is certain that this year's success from the pitching staff is a sure indicator that everything is fine and that all efforts should be focussed on getting a bat for next year, we're a little concerned with Shaun Marcum's post-injury struggles, Dustin McGowan's unknown prognosis, Litsch's teeter-totter of a season and Purcey's control issues.

Yeah, sure the Jays have got the lowest ERA in the Majors, but does it necessarily follow that you'll see the same level of performance next year? We're not convinced.

i think purcey's status in the rotation depends on casey janssen. if accardo does need the tommy, we could put janssen back in the pen. but the pen has looked great, even without JA. and i wouldn't mind giving janssen a look in the rotation, considering we're losing AJ.

perhaps we'll trade BJ in the off season? make brandon the full time closer? or a platoon close-age with downs?

I'd have to think Janssen probably needs a year in the pen after shoulder surgery, no? In any event, I like him there, though they've had success converting guys like Marcum before.

Also, both Cecil and RR might be making cases for major league jobs at some point next season.

I expect the rotation pecking order to shape up as:

DocFA signeeMarcumMcGowanLitschPurcey

RR?Cecil?Wolfe?

Interestingly, I think that Litsch putting up a good showing from here on out increases his chances of being dealt this offseason, no? Although, given the shaky status of McGowan (and Marcum, I guess), plus unknown quantities in RR and Cecil, depth is a good thing...

Instead of signing a #2 SP for $10-$12 million a year, why not spend that $$ (and more) on 2-3 guys who can hit and drive in runs?...Your pitching is fine (even without AJ)...bring in another #2 as a FA and the team will likely have the same problems scoring runs next year. Just my humble opinion.

everybody's agreeing with cubsfan who said we should spend $12m on 3 hitters???? 3 Ecksteins are going to help this team???? If the decision is between a $12m pitcher and 3 Ecksteins, I'll take the pitcher. My preference would be to take the $12m, find $6-8 more, and get ONE fuckin serious bat.

With aj,Zaun Eckstein, Stairs etc coming off the books the Jays can get Manny and maybe tHome. They can stretch Janssen into a starter. They have tons of pitching, they can't hit. JP needs to make that adjustment accordingly.